This cleanser has been on my to buy list for years now. After hearing great reviews and Caroline Hirons giving it the seal of approval, it had to be mine. I finally picked it up in John Lewis last week, and at last, I can see what everyone has been raving about! I hope you enjoy my review of the Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm.

The cleanser comes in a nice slim bottle with a flip cap. Not bad for travel (if the only cleanser).

Price - £15.50 for 100ml

Texture - Soft oily, gel/balm

Finish - Fresh, clean, gorgeous soft skin

What they say

A cleansing balm from MERUMAYA that spreads effortlessly over your skin, melting on contact so that your fingers glide easily, picking up make up and the day's grime. When you add water to the massage, it turns to a light milk, making it easy to remove with Daily Cleansing Cloths ™ or a splash of water.

Key ingredients

Sweet Almond Oil - Rich in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids

Echium Oil - Contains Omega 3/6/9 which are high in antioxidants

What is it

This is the best affordable cleansing balm I've tried so far. It has a beautiful soft texture that melts instantly into an oil. It spreads evenly and glides around the face with just enough slip. It has a light herbal scent, which is so soothing whilst you're cleansing. Suitable for all skin types.

(please excuse my very dry hands)

How I use it

I take a 5-10p blob and massage it across my face, eyes and neck. A little goes a very long way. You can use this as a skin cleanser or makeup remover, I prefer it as my skin cleanser. It is suitable for AM and PM, I love it at both times. Once I've worked it around I remove it with a nice hot flannel. Even though it says you can add water and emulsify, I don't find it works well that way. It semi emulsifies and just gets a bit tacky.

 It removes all dirt and grime from the day and works great for a quick facial massage. My skin feels and looks amazing after using this balm, like really amazing!

Pros

- Affordable

- Gorgeous scent

-Amazing texture

- Good amount of product

- Nice slim packaging

- Works after first use

- Nice simple ingredient list

Cons

- None!

Summary

I am very impressed. This cleansing balm is perfect for everyone. It gives you super soft, hydrated glowing skin in minutes. I've been using it more than any other cleanser, and I've only had it for a week! Please try it guys, you won't regret it. Thank you for reading!

Maiya

x

• Wednesday, February 03, 2016

The Affordable Cleansing Balm - Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm

This cleanser has been on my to buy list for years now. After hearing great reviews and Caroline Hirons giving it the seal of approval, it had to be mine. I finally picked it up in John Lewis last week, and at last, I can see what everyone has been raving about! I hope you enjoy my review of the Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm.

The cleanser comes in a nice slim bottle with a flip cap. Not bad for travel (if the only cleanser).

Price - £15.50 for 100ml

Texture - Soft oily, gel/balm

Finish - Fresh, clean, gorgeous soft skin

What they say

A cleansing balm from MERUMAYA that spreads effortlessly over your skin, melting on contact so that your fingers glide easily, picking up make up and the day's grime. When you add water to the massage, it turns to a light milk, making it easy to remove with Daily Cleansing Cloths ™ or a splash of water.

Key ingredients

Sweet Almond Oil - Rich in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids

Echium Oil - Contains Omega 3/6/9 which are high in antioxidants

What is it

This is the best affordable cleansing balm I've tried so far. It has a beautiful soft texture that melts instantly into an oil. It spreads evenly and glides around the face with just enough slip. It has a light herbal scent, which is so soothing whilst you're cleansing. Suitable for all skin types.

(please excuse my very dry hands)

How I use it

I take a 5-10p blob and massage it across my face, eyes and neck. A little goes a very long way. You can use this as a skin cleanser or makeup remover, I prefer it as my skin cleanser. It is suitable for AM and PM, I love it at both times. Once I've worked it around I remove it with a nice hot flannel. Even though it says you can add water and emulsify, I don't find it works well that way. It semi emulsifies and just gets a bit tacky.

 It removes all dirt and grime from the day and works great for a quick facial massage. My skin feels and looks amazing after using this balm, like really amazing!

Pros

- Affordable

- Gorgeous scent

-Amazing texture

- Good amount of product

- Nice slim packaging

- Works after first use

- Nice simple ingredient list

Cons

- None!

Summary

I am very impressed. This cleansing balm is perfect for everyone. It gives you super soft, hydrated glowing skin in minutes. I've been using it more than any other cleanser, and I've only had it for a week! Please try it guys, you won't regret it. Thank you for reading!

Maiya

x

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I'm really enjoying doing these tag posts. Sometimes it's nice to sit down and just write without having to give the facts and be so precise. This time I was tagged by the beautiful Ash from MS_TANTRUM to write my version of 'The Beauty Lover Tag'. I loved her post, and if you'd like to read it too, click here! 

If you could have anyone in the world do your Makeup, who would it be?

Lisa Eldridge. If ever the opportunity came along for Lisa to do my makeup, it would be the highlight in my beauty life! The way she can transform a face but make it still look like you is just incredible. I'm currently reading her book Face Paint: The Story Of Makeup and I absolutely love it. If she did my makeup I know she would make me feel a mill... ten million dollars!

What's your top Makeup tip?

I agree with Ash here, to have good makeup you need to have good skin. Now I'm not saying your makeup will be horrible if you have blemishes or imperfections, but a good skincare routine will make your skin look and feel better... resulting in flawless makeup! Clean, smooth, moisturised skin beats any product! 

I also think blending is key to good makeup. Wether it's foundation, brows, eyeshadow, it doesn't matter, if there are harsh edges or obvious patches it just ruins the overall effect.

What one skincare item could you not live without?

Cleanser is absolutely the most important skincare product to me. If I can't thoroughly clean my skin every morning and night, then what's the point in wearing makeup? My skin is currently at it's best because of my dedication to cleansing. My current top three cleansers of choice are the Sarah Chapman Skinesis Ultimate Cleanse, Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm and Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm. 

What are you worst at when it comes to applying Makeup?

My obsession with blending means sometimes my contour eventually disappears into my foundation, or eyeshadow gets blended to nothing! I just can't stand harsh makeup. 

Do you do this too?

What's your biggest pet peeve about Makeup?

As a self proclaimed eyebrow princess, my biggest pet peeve is the sharpie brow. Even though the trend is slowly dying there's still a lot of people who make their brows super dark, thick and very un- natural. If that's the look you're going for then please carry on, but personally I think, if you don't have naturally thick, dark brows then go with what you do have! Black, squared brows do not suit any face shape or skin tone!

What's your favourite Makeup era?

The 60s was my favourite time for makeup. The heavy eyes, flawless skin and nude lips speak to me like no other trend. Priscilla Presley is the main reason for my choice, her 60s makeup and style was just captivating. Something about her really reminds me of myself (not looks wise), especially in the pictures of her and Elvis on their wedding day... Anyway, that's a bit off topic. Haha!

What's your Guilty Pleasure product?

My Jo Malone fragrances are some of my most expensive purchases but they are worth every single penny. Nothing compares  to the formula, lasting power, and scents. English Pear and Freesia is my current fave! I'm eyeing up the new limited edition Nashi Blossom Cologne...

What's your underdog product?

Personally I think the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush is still massively under rated! I use it for almost everything, primer, foundation, highlight/contour, blush even powder. It always leaves my base looking flawless. Literally all you need in a face brush. 

What's your favourite Makeup product of 2015?

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz was my ultimate find in 2015. It has changed my brow routine forever. I haven't used a powder to fill in my brows since! 

I really hope you enjoyed this post, and I tag YOU! I would love to read about your tips, tricks and must haves so don't forget to tell me if you do the tag!

Maiya

x

• Thursday, April 28, 2016

The Beauty Lover Tag

I'm really enjoying doing these tag posts. Sometimes it's nice to sit down and just write without having to give the facts and be so precise. This time I was tagged by the beautiful Ash from MS_TANTRUM to write my version of 'The Beauty Lover Tag'. I loved her post, and if you'd like to read it too, click here! 

If you could have anyone in the world do your Makeup, who would it be?

Lisa Eldridge. If ever the opportunity came along for Lisa to do my makeup, it would be the highlight in my beauty life! The way she can transform a face but make it still look like you is just incredible. I'm currently reading her book Face Paint: The Story Of Makeup and I absolutely love it. If she did my makeup I know she would make me feel a mill... ten million dollars!

What's your top Makeup tip?

I agree with Ash here, to have good makeup you need to have good skin. Now I'm not saying your makeup will be horrible if you have blemishes or imperfections, but a good skincare routine will make your skin look and feel better... resulting in flawless makeup! Clean, smooth, moisturised skin beats any product! 

I also think blending is key to good makeup. Wether it's foundation, brows, eyeshadow, it doesn't matter, if there are harsh edges or obvious patches it just ruins the overall effect.

What one skincare item could you not live without?

Cleanser is absolutely the most important skincare product to me. If I can't thoroughly clean my skin every morning and night, then what's the point in wearing makeup? My skin is currently at it's best because of my dedication to cleansing. My current top three cleansers of choice are the Sarah Chapman Skinesis Ultimate Cleanse, Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm and Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm. 

What are you worst at when it comes to applying Makeup?

My obsession with blending means sometimes my contour eventually disappears into my foundation, or eyeshadow gets blended to nothing! I just can't stand harsh makeup. 

Do you do this too?

What's your biggest pet peeve about Makeup?

As a self proclaimed eyebrow princess, my biggest pet peeve is the sharpie brow. Even though the trend is slowly dying there's still a lot of people who make their brows super dark, thick and very un- natural. If that's the look you're going for then please carry on, but personally I think, if you don't have naturally thick, dark brows then go with what you do have! Black, squared brows do not suit any face shape or skin tone!

What's your favourite Makeup era?

The 60s was my favourite time for makeup. The heavy eyes, flawless skin and nude lips speak to me like no other trend. Priscilla Presley is the main reason for my choice, her 60s makeup and style was just captivating. Something about her really reminds me of myself (not looks wise), especially in the pictures of her and Elvis on their wedding day... Anyway, that's a bit off topic. Haha!

What's your Guilty Pleasure product?

My Jo Malone fragrances are some of my most expensive purchases but they are worth every single penny. Nothing compares  to the formula, lasting power, and scents. English Pear and Freesia is my current fave! I'm eyeing up the new limited edition Nashi Blossom Cologne...

What's your underdog product?

Personally I think the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush is still massively under rated! I use it for almost everything, primer, foundation, highlight/contour, blush even powder. It always leaves my base looking flawless. Literally all you need in a face brush. 

What's your favourite Makeup product of 2015?

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz was my ultimate find in 2015. It has changed my brow routine forever. I haven't used a powder to fill in my brows since! 

I really hope you enjoyed this post, and I tag YOU! I would love to read about your tips, tricks and must haves so don't forget to tell me if you do the tag!

Maiya

x

Read This Post

Cleansing balms are my thing and I always get excited when I find a new one to try. I love everything about them from their rich, luxurious texture to the way they clean the skin without making me feel greasy or like I'm going to wake up with a bunch of spots. I also love that there's something for everyone and today I'm going to show you three that I think everybody should try. 

Dames & Dimes Chocolate Orange Cleansing Balm | £13.95
I know I've raved about this a hundred times before but I couldn't do a post about cleansing balms and not mention it! Whenever my skin is in need of a good massage, this is what I reach for. It has a gorgeous texture and just the right amount of slip. It's packed full of amazing oils and it always leaves my skin feeling nourished and plump. One thing to bear in mind with this cleanser is that it doesn't emulsify so you do need a flannel/cloth to remove it and there will be a light layer of moisture on the skin afterwards. For those of you who are wondering, yes this does actually smell like chocolate orange and yes it is to die for! 

Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm | £17.50
This is one of those really hyped up cleansers and for good reason. It's a beautiful soft cleansing balm which you can use for either a first or second cleanse. It's formulated with Sweet Almond Oil and Echium Oil which help to nourish and hydrate the skin. I prefer to use this as a makeup remover and I just massage it into the skin, add a bit of water to emulsify, and remove it with a hot flannel. I also love that it comes in a tube as it means I don't have to worry about trying to fit a massive pot in my bag when I'm travelling. I would highly recommend checking this out if you're looking for something easy and affordable! 

Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm | £39
This is what I would call the Rolls Royce of cleansing balms. It's the first one I ever tried and it's still my favourite to this day. No matter what condition my skin is in, this always makes it 100x better. You would think that a balm would leave the skin feeling greasy but it actually does an amazing job of cleaning the skin and unclogging my pores. It also makes my skin feel incredibly smooth and soft which helps my makeup go on flawlessly. I will always have a backup and to those who want to try it but are a bit hesitant because of the price, just go for it! You won't regret it!

 Which cleansing balms should I try next?

Maiya

x

• Monday, January 22, 2018

Three To Try | Cleansing Balms

Cleansing balms are my thing and I always get excited when I find a new one to try. I love everything about them from their rich, luxurious texture to the way they clean the skin without making me feel greasy or like I'm going to wake up with a bunch of spots. I also love that there's something for everyone and today I'm going to show you three that I think everybody should try. 

Dames & Dimes Chocolate Orange Cleansing Balm | £13.95
I know I've raved about this a hundred times before but I couldn't do a post about cleansing balms and not mention it! Whenever my skin is in need of a good massage, this is what I reach for. It has a gorgeous texture and just the right amount of slip. It's packed full of amazing oils and it always leaves my skin feeling nourished and plump. One thing to bear in mind with this cleanser is that it doesn't emulsify so you do need a flannel/cloth to remove it and there will be a light layer of moisture on the skin afterwards. For those of you who are wondering, yes this does actually smell like chocolate orange and yes it is to die for! 

Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm | £17.50
This is one of those really hyped up cleansers and for good reason. It's a beautiful soft cleansing balm which you can use for either a first or second cleanse. It's formulated with Sweet Almond Oil and Echium Oil which help to nourish and hydrate the skin. I prefer to use this as a makeup remover and I just massage it into the skin, add a bit of water to emulsify, and remove it with a hot flannel. I also love that it comes in a tube as it means I don't have to worry about trying to fit a massive pot in my bag when I'm travelling. I would highly recommend checking this out if you're looking for something easy and affordable! 

Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm | £39
This is what I would call the Rolls Royce of cleansing balms. It's the first one I ever tried and it's still my favourite to this day. No matter what condition my skin is in, this always makes it 100x better. You would think that a balm would leave the skin feeling greasy but it actually does an amazing job of cleaning the skin and unclogging my pores. It also makes my skin feel incredibly smooth and soft which helps my makeup go on flawlessly. I will always have a backup and to those who want to try it but are a bit hesitant because of the price, just go for it! You won't regret it!

 Which cleansing balms should I try next?

Maiya

x

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A lot of new products have made their way into my stash over the past couple of months and I've had so much fun testing them out and switching up the items in my daily routine. I tend to save up and treat myself to a little haul towards the end of every month but I've also received some lovely PR packages so today I thought I would show you all of the new goodies I'm currently working my way through!

Grow Gorgeous Thickening Hair & Scalp Mask* | It's no secret that I'm partial to a bit of GG haircare. Their shampoos and conditioners are some of my favourites as they clean and nourish the hair without being stripping or causing irritation. I also love using their treatments when my hair is feeling blah and needs an extra boost. Recently my main aim is hydration and this mask is perfect for deeply nourishing and thickening the hair without being heavy or leaving a residue. It also smells incredible! 

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation | This foundation is completely different to anything else I've tried in terms of formula and finish and while it's taking me some getting used to so far I'm really liking it! The packaging is very sleek and luxurious which I'm definitely a fan of but I would be a little cautious while travelling! I can't properly test it out right now as I have a lot of dry flaky skin which unfortunately this clings to like a b*tch but once it's gone I'm going to start using this as my everyday base! The full review is coming soon! 

Makeup Revolution Fast Base Concealer | You all know I have a love affair with this brand and their Conceal & Define Concealer so it was only natural I try their latest addition. To me, this is very Charlotte Tilbury 'inspired' but I can't say 100% as I haven't tried her Magic Away Concealer yet. I've only swatched it on my hand but the texture felt really smooth and easy to work with. It feels slightly thinner and a little drier compared to my fave C&D but I think that might make it a better option for under the eyes. I'll let you know my thoughts once I've been able to fully test it out! 

Butter London Patent Shine 10x Nail Lacquer & Original Nail Lacquer* | I'm not a big nail polish user (mainly because I can't paint my nails to save my life) but I do still get intrigued by the popular brands and seasonal collections. I was kindly sent these two Butter London shades to try and the quality and formula are so different from other brands I've tried! They apply super smoothly and have a beautiful opaque finish which means you don't need to faff around applying 100 coats! Fancy is a lovely mauvey-purple which is really shiny and great for autumn and Come To Bed Red is literally Christmas in a bottle! I can't stop wearing them! 

Milk Makeup Charcoal Cleanser | If you follow me on Instagram you would've seen me posting about this about a month or so ago. Milk Makeup is an American beauty brand that is currently unavailable in the UK so you can imagine how excited I was to find it in TK Maxx for £6.99! I don't have any other charcoal based cleansers in my collection right now so I thought this would be a nice little addition. It has a light gel texture and I like to use it as a morning or second cleanse by applying it to dry skin, adding a touch of water and massaging it through. You can splash off but I tend to use a flannel. I've only tested it a few times but so far me likey! 

Merumaya Bi-Phase Plus Eye Makeup Remover | This is another little gem I found in TK Maxx on sale for £3! Yes - three tiny pounds! I love their Melting Cleansing Balm and have been lusting after their toners for ages but this is something I couldn't pass up. Now obviously I'm not a massive eye makeup/waterproof wearer but I really like dual-phase oil and water formulas and for the price, I knew I had to give it a go! 

Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream with Active HydraMesh Technology* | I have to say I'm really enjoying Dermalogica products at the moment. Everything is super effective and their packaging is so user-friendly! This is the new reformulated version of their classic Skin Smoothing Cream* and in my opinion is 100x better! I do like the original but I've found this one is so much more hydrating and my skin feels a lot smoother and plumper when I use it. It's ever so slightly richer but still feels moisturising without being heavy or greasy. My foundation also sits beautifully on top of this so it's definitely one to consider if you like a fresh, well-hydrated base! 

Have you tried any of these products recently?

Maiya 

x

• Sunday, November 11, 2018

The New Beauty Bits I'm Currently Testing

A lot of new products have made their way into my stash over the past couple of months and I've had so much fun testing them out and switching up the items in my daily routine. I tend to save up and treat myself to a little haul towards the end of every month but I've also received some lovely PR packages so today I thought I would show you all of the new goodies I'm currently working my way through!

Grow Gorgeous Thickening Hair & Scalp Mask* | It's no secret that I'm partial to a bit of GG haircare. Their shampoos and conditioners are some of my favourites as they clean and nourish the hair without being stripping or causing irritation. I also love using their treatments when my hair is feeling blah and needs an extra boost. Recently my main aim is hydration and this mask is perfect for deeply nourishing and thickening the hair without being heavy or leaving a residue. It also smells incredible! 

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation | This foundation is completely different to anything else I've tried in terms of formula and finish and while it's taking me some getting used to so far I'm really liking it! The packaging is very sleek and luxurious which I'm definitely a fan of but I would be a little cautious while travelling! I can't properly test it out right now as I have a lot of dry flaky skin which unfortunately this clings to like a b*tch but once it's gone I'm going to start using this as my everyday base! The full review is coming soon! 

Makeup Revolution Fast Base Concealer | You all know I have a love affair with this brand and their Conceal & Define Concealer so it was only natural I try their latest addition. To me, this is very Charlotte Tilbury 'inspired' but I can't say 100% as I haven't tried her Magic Away Concealer yet. I've only swatched it on my hand but the texture felt really smooth and easy to work with. It feels slightly thinner and a little drier compared to my fave C&D but I think that might make it a better option for under the eyes. I'll let you know my thoughts once I've been able to fully test it out! 

Butter London Patent Shine 10x Nail Lacquer & Original Nail Lacquer* | I'm not a big nail polish user (mainly because I can't paint my nails to save my life) but I do still get intrigued by the popular brands and seasonal collections. I was kindly sent these two Butter London shades to try and the quality and formula are so different from other brands I've tried! They apply super smoothly and have a beautiful opaque finish which means you don't need to faff around applying 100 coats! Fancy is a lovely mauvey-purple which is really shiny and great for autumn and Come To Bed Red is literally Christmas in a bottle! I can't stop wearing them! 

Milk Makeup Charcoal Cleanser | If you follow me on Instagram you would've seen me posting about this about a month or so ago. Milk Makeup is an American beauty brand that is currently unavailable in the UK so you can imagine how excited I was to find it in TK Maxx for £6.99! I don't have any other charcoal based cleansers in my collection right now so I thought this would be a nice little addition. It has a light gel texture and I like to use it as a morning or second cleanse by applying it to dry skin, adding a touch of water and massaging it through. You can splash off but I tend to use a flannel. I've only tested it a few times but so far me likey! 

Merumaya Bi-Phase Plus Eye Makeup Remover | This is another little gem I found in TK Maxx on sale for £3! Yes - three tiny pounds! I love their Melting Cleansing Balm and have been lusting after their toners for ages but this is something I couldn't pass up. Now obviously I'm not a massive eye makeup/waterproof wearer but I really like dual-phase oil and water formulas and for the price, I knew I had to give it a go! 

Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream with Active HydraMesh Technology* | I have to say I'm really enjoying Dermalogica products at the moment. Everything is super effective and their packaging is so user-friendly! This is the new reformulated version of their classic Skin Smoothing Cream* and in my opinion is 100x better! I do like the original but I've found this one is so much more hydrating and my skin feels a lot smoother and plumper when I use it. It's ever so slightly richer but still feels moisturising without being heavy or greasy. My foundation also sits beautifully on top of this so it's definitely one to consider if you like a fresh, well-hydrated base! 

Have you tried any of these products recently?

Maiya 

x

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